Chocolate Cake

Cake baking was part of my Home Economics curriculum at Karachi's College of Home Economics. We were required to bake & evaluate a basic cake when using different methods: wooden spoon vs. cake mixer & different ovens (gas vs. stone vs. electric). I add in variations to the basic cake recipe to bake coffee & chocolate cakes.
For chocolate cake, Rowntree or Cadbury's Cocoa are my favourites, but other cocoas work just as well. Chocolate, Coffee & Plain cakes have been a regular snack feature for my children, entertainment, school snack, to send over to neighbours. Batter can be used to bake a cake or cupcakes. It can be enjoyed with or without frosting.

Serves: 6-8 (approx. 18 cupcakes)

 

Ingredients:

Butter: 6oz
Sugar: 6oz
Flour: 6oz
Cocoa: 3Tbsp
Eggs: 3Tbsp
Baking Powder: 2tsp leveled
Vanilla Essence: 0.5tsp (or vanilla sugar: 1tsp)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to gas mark 6.
2. In a cake mixer, cream butter & sugar till batter turns a light color.
3. Sift cocoa, baking powder & flour in a bowl or tray.

4. Beat eggs in another bowl.

5. Add vanilla essence to the creamed butter & sugar batter.
6. Gradually add flour mixture, alternating with eggs.
7. Continue to mix till batter has a soft consistency.

8. Pour into a greased cake pan (8.5").

9. Bake for 40 minutes (poke with skewer & ensure it comes out dry before removing cake from oven).
10. Turn out on a wire rack.

11. Serve warm with ice cream.